The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Carbon-Gold editions (Video & Live Pics)

Attaining iconic status in the world of watchmaking is no easy feat. This is what however very much what Bulgari has achieved in a record span of just ten years, with the bold contemporary Italian design and sophisticated Swiss mechanics of the Octo Finissimo. Naturally, the Octo Finissimo is above anything else a statement of style and class. Bulgari crowned itself the master of ultra-slim movements, through what the brand likes to call “La Estetica de la Meccanica”. This culminated in no less than 8 world records in ultra-thin watchmaking since 2014. But one aspect that is not often widely discussed is how the use of the material has been crucial in the evolution of this collection, if only for a matter of colour, comfort and touch for this eminently tactile and ergonomic watch. On the occasion of Geneva Watch Days 2023, Bulgari introduces two new versions of its ultra-thin luxury sports watch in an original combination of materials: Carbon and Gold.

Following titanium, platinum, rose and yellow gold, ceramic or tantalum, the Octo Finissmo saga now unfolds in light-weight anthracite carbon composite and pink gold. This quite unusual combination of materials and texture is not a first for Bulgari who presented its first carbon-gold series in 1993. This daring statement brings a different take on the Octo chic with surprising contrasts.

Two carbon-gold models are presented on the occasion of the Geneva Watch Days: the Octo Finissimo Automatic (2017 record) and the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar (2021 record and Aiguille d’or at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève). Their high-tech, textured anthracite look of carbon is offset by luxurious touches of gold. Their crown is in pink gold with a ceramic insert, and the dial indexes and the hands are gold plated. A gold plaquette is affixed on the side of the case. Turning the watch over, the movements of the two watches feature pink gold bridges and a pink-gold plated platinum micro-rotor.

From a technical perspective, the two watches feature a titanium container for the movement onto which are assembled the carbon composite parts. The specificities of the material and the increased 100m water resistance result in a slightly thicker profile for both watches.

The Octo Finissimo Automatic is powered by the calibre BVL 138 with small seconds. The Octo Finissimo Perpetual calendar houses the record-breaking perpetual calendar BVL 305 calibre. Measuring 36.6mm x 2.75mm, it is derived from the calibre BVL 138. sharing the same regulating organ, gear train, barrel with 60-hour power reserve and automatic winding mechanism. The perpetual calendar was completely integrated into the movement, arranging the different functions on a horizontal axis instead of stacking them, which explains the generous diameter of the movement.

Both watches are presented on a carbon bracelet that is secured by a folding buckle.

Quick facts – Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Carbon Gold – 103779 – 40 mm carbon case, 6.90mm thick, transparent caseback; polished pink gold crown with black ceramic insert – water-resistant to 100m – carbon dial with gold-coloured hands and indexes – mechanical Manufacture ultra-thin movement with automatic winding via a platinum micro-rotor – Caliber BVL 138 with small seconds, 2.23 mm thick, 36.60 mm in diameter, 21,600 V/H, 60-hour power reserve – carbon bracelet with 3-blade folding buckle – EUR 29,000

Quick facts – Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Carbon Gold – 103778 – 40 mm carbon case, 7.60mm thick, transparent caseback – polished pink gold crown with black ceramic insert – water-resistant to 100m – carbon dial with gold-coloured hands and indexes – mechanical Manufacture ultra-thin movement with automatic winding via a platinum micro-rotor – Caliber BVL 305 with indications for the hours, minutes, retrograde date, day, month and retrograde leap year – 60-hour power reserve, 2.75 mm thick, 21,600 V/H, 60-hour power reserve – carbon bracelet with DLC-steel folding buckle – EUR 100,000

For more information, please visit www.bulgari.com or check our video interview with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Product Creation Executive Director at Bulgari Horlogerie.